Anti-microbial floor mat

ABSTRACT

A floor mat system for placement directly near an entryway to permit the disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and all other surfaces contacting directly with the fibers of the mat. The floor mat system consists of a frame structure either mechanical or rubberized in construction. The top portion being of a carpet type fiber construction, with a hollow center portion and rubberized non-skid backing against the floor and sides. The hollow center portion of the system may be enclosed and a microbicidal component introduced to the carpet fiber portion in a capillary action.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/214,394 filed Aug. 7, 2002, which claims the priority ofApplication No. 60/311,001 filed on Aug. 8, 2001.

BACKGROUN OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to cleaning, and more particularly to thedisinfecting of ground contacting surfaces such as feet, shoe soles,wheels, and the like.

Floor mats have long been used to clean the soles of a person's feet orshoes before entering a building or room. Typically these mats areplaced on the ground in front of doors and entryways. These mats areoften made of abrasive materials to promote the removal of debris whensomeone wipes his or her feet across the surface of the mat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a floor mat system for placement near anentryway to permit the disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and allother surfaces contacting directly with the fibers of the mat. The floormat system includes a frame having a top portion being of a carpet typefiber construction, a hollow center portion, a floor portion, andsidewalls. The hollow center portion contains a microbicidal componentsuch that the component may be communicated to the top portion of themat.

The hollow center portion of the system may be completely enclosed and amicrobicidal component may be introduced to the carpet fiber portion bycapillary action. Alternatively, a separate enclosed package containingthe microbicidal component may be used such that the liquid isintroduced to the carpet fiber portion in a pressure action throughspray heads that may be activated by weight on the top carpet layer. Thefloor mat system may also be integrated into other floor or carpet. Thefloor mat system may also include a moisture absorbing component, acushioning component, customized graphics, anti-fungal composition, or afragrance. Anti-slip features may be associated with the top surface ofthe mat to prevent a person or animal from slipping on the mat.Anti-slip features may also be associated with the bottom and sidesurfaces of the mat to prevent the mat itself from slipping along thefloor or ground. Additionally, a sensor may be included in the floor matto indicate that the floor mat system may require refill of themicrobicidal component.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon review of the following detaileddescription, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the anti-microbial mat of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the anti-microbialmat of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the anti-microbial mat shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the anti-microbial mat shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the anti-microbialmat of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the anti-microbialmat of the present invention.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof herein is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows an anti-microbial floor mat 10 of the present invention.The mat 10 includes a frame 12, a membrane 14 configured to contain acleaning solutions such as, for example, an anti-microbial liquid, amesh backing 18, and an absorbent carpet fiber portion 22. The frame 12is configured to support the membrane 14 such that the membrane 14generally conforms to the shape of the frame 12. The frame 12 may be ofany suitable construction that will rigidly support the membrane 14 andother components of the mat 10. The membrane 14 includes an uppersurface 26 having a plurality of sprayheads 30 defined therein. Thesprayheads 30 are characterized by a plurality of holes 34 in the uppersurface 26 of the membrane 14. The sprayheads 30 may be arranged intorows and columns extending between the edges of the upper surface 26 ormay be randomly spaced along the upper surface 26. The mesh backing 18is coupled to the upper surface 26 of the membrane 14 and provides afluid permeable layer between the sprayheads 30 and the carpet fiberportion 22. The carpet fiber portion 22 includes a plurality ofindividual carpet fibers 24 coupled to the mesh backing 18. Both themesh backing 18 and the carpet fiber portion 22 extend acrosssubstantially the entire length and width of the frame 12 to cover themembrane 14 and form a single, continuous mat 10.

When an object (e.g. the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto theanti-microbial mat 10 including the membrane 14 filled withanti-microbial fluid, the weight of the object on the mat 10 causes theinternal pressure in the membrane 14 to increase. The increase inpressure causes the anti-microbial liquid to be expelled from themembrane 14 through the sprayheads 30 in the upper surface 16. Theliquid flows through the mesh backing 18 and is absorbed by the carpetfiber portion 22. The liquid is absorbed by the fibers 24 of the carpetfiber portion 22 and the upper surface of the carpet fiber portion 22becomes moist with anti-microbial liquid. As the object moves across theanti-microbial mat 10, anti-microbial liquid is transferred from thefibers 24 of the carpet fiber portion 22 to surfaces of the object thatcontact the mat 10.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2-4, another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. The mat 38 includes a substantially rigid frame 42,a sprayhead layer 46, and a carpet fiber portion 50 including anintegral mesh backing 54. The base 42 includes a recessed area 58configured to receive a disposable anti-microbial liquid-containingcartridge 62 (not shown in FIG. 2). The base 42 may also include acartridge opening 60 defined in a side of the base 42 to facilitate theinsertion and removal of the cartridge 62. The sprayhead layer 46includes a plurality of sprayheads 64 (not shown but similar tosprayheads 30) configured to puncture the cartridge 62 and provide fluidcommunication between the cartridge 62 and the carpet fiber portion 50.The carpet fiber portion 50 and mesh backing 54 are of similarconstruction as the portion 22 and backing 18.

When an object (e.g. the foot of a person or animal) is placed onto theanti-microbial mat 38, the weight of the object forces the sprayheadlayer 46 against the cartridge 62, thereby puncturing the cartridge. Theweight of the object also increases the internal pressure in thecartridge 62 such that the anti-microbial liquid is expelled from thecartridge 62. The liquid flows through the sprayhead layer 46 and meshbacking 54 and is absorbed by the carpet fiber portion 50. The liquid isabsorbed by the fibers of the carpet fiber portion 50 and the uppersurface of the carpet fiber portion 50 becomes moist with anti-microbialliquid. As the object moves across the anti-microbial mat 10,anti-microbial liquid is transferred from the fibers to surfaces of theobject that contact the mat 10. When all of the anti-microbial liquidhas been expelled from the cartridge 62, the spent cartridge 62 isremoved from the base 42 and discarded. A new cartridge 62 is theninserted into the recessed area 58 of the base. In alternativeembodiments, the cartridge 62 may take on the form of an anti-microbialliquid containing tray. In this form, the sprayhead layer 46construction may be simplified due to the fact that it is no longernecessary to puncture the cartridge 62.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein the mat66 takes on a “one-piece” construction and includes a substantiallyrigid base 70 that defines an anti-microbial liquid containing chamber74. The base 70 includes an upper wall 78, sidewalls 80, and a lowerwall 82. One sidewall 80 includes an aperture 86 defined thereincommunicating with the chamber 74. The aperture 86 is configured toallow anti-microbial liquid to be injected or otherwise introduced intothe chamber 74 as required while maintaining a substantially fluid tightseal when liquid is not being introduced into the chamber 74. A carpetfiber portion 90 including an integral mesh backing 94 are placed in arecess 98 defined in the upper wall 78. The lower wall 82 may include aplurality of ribs 100 to structurally stiffen the base 70.

The carpet fiber portion 90 includes a plurality of carpet fibers 102.The carpet fibers 102 are arranged into a U-shape and include a fixedend 106 and a free end 110. The fixed end 110 is generally fixed to themesh backing 94. The upper wall 78 includes a fluid conducting layer 112that allows fluid to pass from the chamber 74 to the recess 98 where itmay be absorbed by the carpet fiber portion 90 and conveyed to the freeends 110 of the carpet fibers by capillary action. The recess 98 andupper wall are 78 are configured such that the fixed ends 106 of thecarpet fibers 102 are submerged in fluid when the chamber 74 is full. Assuch, the free ends 110 of the carpet fiber portion 90 are substantiallycontinuously moist with anti-microbial fluid.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention similar to thatshown in FIG. 5. The mat 114 shown in FIG. 6 eliminates the mesh backingand the fluid-conducting layer. The mat 114 also includes a base 118having an upper wall 122, a lower wall 126, and sidewalls 130 defining achamber 132. Carpet fibers 134 of the mat 114 are coupled directly tothe upper wall 122 such that fixed ends 138 of the fibers 134 extendbelow the upper wall 122 and free ends 142 of the fibers 134 extendabove the upper wall 122. Similar to the mat 66 of FIG. 5, the fixedends 138 are submerged in fluid when the chamber 132 is full such thatthe free ends 142 are continually moist due to capillary action withinthe carpet fibers 134. The mat 114 also includes an aperture 146 definedin one of the sidewalls 130, similar to the aperture 86, for introducinganti-microbial fluid into the chamber 132.

Although several specific embodiments of the invention are describedabove and illustrated in the figures, the invention is capable of beingpracticed in a variety of ways. Generally, the mat includesanti-microbial liquid that is contained within a chamber and is fluidlycommunicated with an absorbent upper surface. The liquid is thentransferred to the soles of a persons feet, shoes, or to other objectsthat come into contact with the mat. The mat is reusable and refillable,either directly or by the insertion of anti-microbial containingcartridges or containers.

Each above described embodiment may also include anti-skid constructionon the side walls and lower walls to prevent excessive movement of themat on the floor as well as anti-skid construction on the carpetportions to prevent a person from slipping on the mat. The embodimentsmay also each be integrally constructed with other portions of flooringor carpet surfaces. Cushioning material may also be utilized in eachembodiment to provide a more comfortable surface upon which a person oranimal may step. Each embodiment may also include anti-fungal liquid inreplacement of or in combination with the anti-bacterial liquid, as wellas a moisture absorbing portion of the mat for removing excess liquidtransferred to the objects which previously came into contact with thecarpet fiber portions. Each embodiment may include a viewing port orother sensor device to indicate when the chamber needs to be re-filledor when a cartridge needs to be replaced. Customized graphics may beapplied to the mat to improve aesthetic appearance and variousfragrances may also be used in conjunction with the other microbicidalcomponents. Additionally, various aspects of each embodiment may becombined or interchanged with aspects found in other embodiments of theinvention.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

1. A floor mat comprising: a base including a bottom wall, upwardlyextending sidewalls, and a fluid permeable upper wall that is recessedwith respect to the sidewalls, the walls cooperating to define an innerfluid chamber that receives a cleaning liquid, and the recessed upperwall providing an upwardly facing recess in fluid communication with thechamber; a plurality of carpet fibers coupled to the upper wall and influid communication with the chamber; and an aperture in at least onesidewall and communicating with the chamber to afford dispensing of thecleaning liquid into the chamber.
 2. The floor mat of claim 1 whereinthe upper wall is of a fluid impermeable material and includes aplurality of apertures.
 3. The floor mat of claim 2 wherein each of theplurality of carpet fibers includes two free ends that extend upwardlythrough a respective aperture in the upper wall and into the recess, andwherein a portion of each carpet fiber is positioned in the chamber forimmersion in the cleaning liquid.
 4. The floor mat of claim 1, andfurther comprising a fluid permeable mesh backing positioned in therecess and coupling the plurality of carpet fibers together.
 5. Thefloor mat of claim 1 wherein the cleaning fluid defines a fluid level,and wherein the aperture is positioned above the fluid level.
 6. Thefloor mat of claim 5 wherein the aperture is positioned above the upperwall.
 7. The floor mat of claim 1 wherein in response to an appliedpressure upon the upper wall, the upper wall deflects and contacts thecleaning fluid.
 8. The floor mat of claim 1, and further comprising atransparent portion defined in at least one sidewall for observing anamount of the cleaning liquid that is in the chamber.
 9. The floor matof claim 1 wherein the cleaning liquid includes a microbicidalcomponent.
 10. A floor mat comprising: a base including a bottom wall,upwardly extending sidewalls, and a fluid permeable upper wall that isrecessed with respect to the sidewalls, the walls cooperating to definean inner fluid chamber that receives a cleaning liquid, and the recessedupper wall providing an upwardly facing recess in fluid communicationwith the chamber; a plurality of fibers in fluid communication with thechamber and at least partially disposed in the upwardly facing recess;and an aperture in at least one sidewall and communicating with thechamber to afford dispensing of the cleaning liquid into the chamber.11. The floor mat of claim 10, and further comprising a fluid permeablebacking disposed in the upwardly facing recess wherein a fixed end ofeach of the fibers is coupled to the fluid permeable backing.
 12. Thefloor mat of claim 10, and further comprising a plurality of upwardlyfacing ribs formed in the bottom wall of the base.
 13. The floor mat ofclaim 10 wherein the plurality of fibers are coupled to the upper wallof the base and a portion of each fiber is positioned in the innerchamber for immersion in the cleaning liquid.
 14. The floor mat of claim10 wherein the upper wall is of a fluid impermeable material and theupper wall includes a plurality of apertures.
 15. The floor mat of claim14 wherein each of the plurality of fibers includes a free end thatextends upwardly through a respective aperture in the upper wall andinto the recess, and wherein a portion of each carpet fiber ispositioned in the chamber for immersion in the cleaning liquid.
 16. Thefloor mat of claim 10 wherein the cleaning fluid defines a fluid leveland the aperture is positioned above the fluid level.
 17. The floor matof claim 16 wherein the aperture is positioned above the upper wall. 18.The floor mat of claim 10 wherein in response to an applied pressureupon the upper wall, the upper wall deflects and contacts the cleaningfluid.
 19. The floor mat of claim 10 wherein the cleaning liquidincludes a microbicidal component.
 20. A method for cleaning solescomprising: providing a floor mat including a bottom wall and upwardlyextending sidewalls that cooperate to define a chamber; covering thechamber with a fluid permeable upper layer including a carpet fiberportion; providing a sealed cartridge containing a cleaning liquid;inserting the sealed cartridge into the chamber; applying pressure tothe upper layer by pressing upon the carpet fiber portion; rupturing thecartridge in response to the applying of pressure, thereby dischargingthe cleaning liquid; and absorbing the cleaning liquid into the carpetfiber portion.